The Shows

These are the best concerts I was able to catch during 2005. You will notice that I didn’t include the ACL festival, since there are so many bands there and it is such an all encompassing experience I decided to leave it out, just know that it was a great time. My number one show was The Arcade Fire but the rest are in no particular order.
1. Arcade Fire / The Black Keys What Made Milwaukee Famous Stubb’s Bar b que Austin, Tx
By far the best show I have ever been to. This was my first time to see a show at stubb’s and the first time I’ve ever eaten a bar-b-que sandwich during a show. And a kid in line gave us some chicken strips. The Arcade Fire are my band of the year. All the hype about their live show is true. They rocked the roof off of the place. There was so much going on that I could only process a small fraction of what was going on. They started with Wake Up and 5 Years by Bowie was in there somewhere amongst most of Funeral and part of their first album. That was the first show in a while that had me dancing and moving the entire time. The Black Keys opened and were once again amazing. The opener was a local band What made Milwaukee famous. They were very good and very nervous.
2. Ryan Adams and the Cardinals The Gypsy Tea room Dallas, TX
Emily’s brother got me drunk on the way to this show so Ryan Adams and I showed up in the same state. There were some amazing moments in the show. Ryan Fell apart after abusing some jerks up front and stormed off of the stage giving be a chance to hit the bathroom. He came back after the break in even better form and wearing a t-shirt. At one point during the second set he left the stage and led a sing along of Come Pick Me Up while standing on the bar. He also did a countyed up verson of Dear Chicago.
3. The Black Keys / Henchmen /El Paso Hot Button The Green Door Oklahoma City, Ok
Most of you know that the Green Door is a tiny venue. We were so close for the Black Keys that we sat on the stage during breaks. We were right in front of the drum kit(which was on the very edge of the tiny stage) and would periodically get hit by broken drum sticks. If you never been to a Black keys show it’s hard to describe, two guys are able to fill the room with an absolute fog of blues drenched rock. We got to meet both of them after the show and they were unbelievably gracious. I don’t remember much of the henchmen but the opener was this one man band El Paso Hot Button. He sat down and played jack White style guitar while playing a modified trap set with his feet. He told okryan to stop taking pictures.
4. Bright Eyes / The Faint /Airborn Audio Cain’s Ballroom Tulsa, Ok
Finally I’ve seen bright eyes. He was touring on the Digital Ash album so he played most of that album and a couple of songs from Fevers and Mirrors. The Faint opened up and blew me away, I am now a Faint fan for life. Bright Eyes had several members of the Faint as his backing band along with Nick Zimmer of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. The most disturbing part of the show was that Conor wore a hooded sweatshirt with the hood up for the first few songs and it was hot as hell.
5. Kings of Leon / The Features Cain’s Ballroom Tulsa, Ok
I believe that the Kings of Leon played every song off of both off their albums at this show. They announced that they had family there and then commenced to rock. They sounded great. The rock was loud and dirty. The Feature were the openers and were beyond belief. I bought one of their albums at the show and had it signed. Once again they were great guys. I predict that they will be pretty big in the new year. The only drawback to this particular show involves the new practice at the Cain’s of offering six packs for sale. The show was pretty short so we were pretty drunk at the end of it and were slightly concerned about getting home but we made it. This was also the first time I ever witnessed someone order a pizza to a concert. I guess being a pretty girl has its advantages.
6. Wilco The Orpheum Memphis, TN
This was a Christmas present from Ryan And Emily and what a present it was. We made a day of it hitting Graceland, eating honest to god one pound burgers and after the show hanging out on Belle Street in the rain. I have to say a couple of things abut the venue. It was this beautiful old theatre with lots of gilt carvings and carpet and seats. Wilco was amazing. They played a pretty good mix of old and new ad they were all sick with the flu.
7. Gomez The Cains Tulsa, Ok
This is the only show I saw without okryan this year. In his place was the much prettier Brittian. I really only knew a couple of Gomez’s songs before going to this show in the middle of the week. It was a very light crowd but every single person seemed into the show. The band rocked like the place was packed to the rafters, much respect to them for going all out.
8. Kasabien The Cains Tulsa, Ok
Ryan and I just went to this show on a whim. We had heard good things about them and the show was cheap and we had money so away we went. They put on a great show to another undersold house. Clubfoot sounded great live really the whole set was perfect.
9. Snow Patrol The Cains Tulsa, Ok
This is another show we just went to for the hell of it. I constantly played the new cd the week leading up to the show and by the time the show rolled around G! was wishing we had bought her a ticket and found a sitter. I was afraid to tell her how moving it was to hear Run being sung by so many people at once, she would have hit me.

Top 30 Albums of 2005

I guess these are my favorite albums of 2005. I know 30 is a random number but you've got to draw the line somewhere. I'm sure i've forgotten some great album but the year is almost over and i have to get this sucker published.

I do need to say that the album that i've listened to the most this year is Funeral by the Arcade Fire but it wasn't released this year. Another group that i've discovered this year is Bishop Allen but alas no releases this year, check out Busted Heart.

My favorite song of the year is The Trapeze Swinger by Iron & Wine. Well i guess that ties up the loose ends so here is the list.

1. Sufjan Stevens Illinoise

This album is as good as it gets for 2005. Sufjan really opens up musically on this one and keeps his straightforward lyricism from sinking into all of the elaborate instrumentation. . This album really covers a lot of ground, moving from the delicate whisper of “John Wayne Gacy Jr.” to the upbeat bounce of “The Man of Metropolis Steals our Hearts”. And don’t forget the song titles, each one is a nice little story in and of itself. It’s hard to pick a single highlight from this album but “John Wayne Gacy Jr.” and “Jacksonville” would be up there.

2. Bright Eyes I’m wide awake it’s morning

I love it that Conor’s musical development has followed the path of my musical growth. With this album Bright Eyes seems to hit on a great mix of his insightful lyrics and a more roots-alt country sound and I am right on board with him. The highestlight is First Day of My Life.

3. My Morning Jacket Z

That voice!

4. The Magic Numbers The Magic Numbers

I have been playing the hell out of this album. I’m not sure if it counts as indie but those voices and that laid back no worries rock sound are awesome.

5. Ryan Adams Jacksonville City Nights

I won’t lie, I am a sucker for anything Ryan Adams puts out and I have yet to be disappointed with one of his releases. This album showcases his more mature lyrical style and a sound that is more akin to his early Whiskeytown work. G! says it’s country but I don’t mind.

6. Kings of Leon Aha Shake Heartbreak

This is it kids, good old-fashioned booty shakin rock and roll.

7. The Black Keys Rubber Factory

It’s hard to believe that two white guys are putting out a sound like this. These tunes burn down the house around you.

8. Ryan Adams Cold Roses

Again Ryan Adams hits one over the fence. I’ve heard over and over again that he should have reduced this to one disc but what would you get rid of?

9. The Decemberists Picaresque

G! hates Colin’s voice and therefore refuses to listen to this album but I love the intelligence of these songs.

10. Bright Eyes Digital Ash in a Digital Urn

Because sometimes I’m in the mood for something inorganic.

11. The White Stripes Get behind me Satan

Jack White is a guitar god musical genius and he has a sweet mustache goatee combo.

12. Death Cab for Cutie Plans

So what if they are slowly becoming the Postal Service, I like them to. Anyway this album is worth it just for I will follow you into the dark.

13. Wilco A Ghost is Born

Nels Cline has huge hands. The incorporation of noise rock is interesting but maybe a little less on the next album. That said this is a great collection of songs.

14. Iron & Wine and Calexico In the Reins

I’m tempted to move this into the top five since I have two live shows that are amazing. They really bring these songs to life on stage. NPR still has a show up that everyone should have. That version of The Trapeze Swinger is sublime.

15. Spoon Gimme Fiction

I turn my camera on is on this album.

16. Bloc Party Silent Alarm

This album is great it is really immediate rock and roll.

17. Rogue Wave Descended like Vultures

18. Sun kil Moon Tiny Cities made of Ashes

Mark has taken these songs from Modest Mouse. These album has some really beautiful moments and has me chomping at the bit for his next collection of originals.

19. Son Volt Okemah and the Melody of Riot

20. Doves Some Cities

21. The Spinto Band Nice and Nicely done

22. Mark Geary Ghosts

One of my favorite songs of the year is on this album.

23. Andrew Bird And the mysterious production of eggs

24. Antony and the Johnsons I am a bird now

25. Wolf Parade Apologies to the queen mary

Rock.

26. Go! Team Thunder Lightning Strike

27. The Bravery S/T

I love 80’s rip off dance rock, Fuck you hipsters.

28. Dangerdoom The mouse and the mask

Crap is this the only rap album on this list? MF Doom’s latest album almost made it and Dangermouse can do no wrong.

29. Gorillaz Demon Days

30. James Blunt Back to Bedlam

I know it’s cheesy stuff but I can dig it.

Nike dunks or another damn shoe post

It has been a couple of weeks since I put up a shoe post so please permit me to wax on a bit about the nike dunk. I've read that this is one of the greatest shoes ever designed, with the endless variety that we've seen them in it would be hard to argue that statement. Above we have the new nike Futura, which was released last week in san Francisco. If only I had friends in that fair city willing to stand in line for hours to buy me a very expensive pair of shoes. But anyway as you can tell from the picture they have really pimped this version out.
Here we have a shoe that any child of the early nineties will covet, the Nike Dunk Sg low De La Soul. These shoes are still available a few places for less than $100. The equally kick ass hi tops seemed to be sold out most everywhere. Who wouldn't like a pair of these, I'll bet even G! would like a pair, although every time she put them on she would probably sing Me, Myself and I. I'll bet odida would too, hell I would.
The Jordans are doing very well thank you. After several days of cradling them in my arms many hours a day I resolved to put them on and actually wear them around. They are awesome. I got several comments on them at school and at a party I wore them to. I've spend many hours with the card that came with them that shows all of the Jordan reissues and I think that I'll eventually have to buy a white pair of the Jordan IV's. I may have to wait until my wife makes us rich but it will be done, as to whether I'll wear them...

Plumbing sucks

I got this video from santa yesterday. It contains all of the videos from our heroes the Flaming Lips! These things are superfreaky awesome films. Wayne and Brad Beesley directed all but like two of these videos and they are almost all lo-fi masterpieces. It makes me want to grab a videocamera and make a film.
I can't wait to see them in concert again. The show i saw was one of the greatest shows i've ever seen. Great band, good friends, free beer and an awesome concert shirt.
My current Flaming Lips obsession was recently rekindled by this video(thanks okryan and em). It is a great documentary on the Lips. Those guys have some messed up families. I fully intend to take my two movies to the lcd and watch them and then end the night with Ziareeka.
Things have been busy what with the job and the broken hotwater tank. I need sleep.

Bestbuy no longer

Check out my latest purchase from the dollar store. I just didn't feel right leaving our lord and savior on the shelf. Now there are a couple of things you have probably noticed; our lord is going for a measly two bucks, he is proportioned like a gorilla and you can also get the rest of the gang. I think Moses will be next for me.

We stopped by bestbuy today and I realized something, bestbuy doesn't carry the music I listen to. My job was to buy Shelby a cd by someone he's never heard but I think he would like. Bestbuy didn't carry my first three choices. I believe my question to G! was "When did bestbuy stop carrying the music I listen to?" alas, she had no answer for me. Maybe we are just to cock.

I also need to say that I got okryan the most kick ass birthday present and if he acts disappointed when he opens it I will punch him in the nut sack.

Christmas music

The worst thing about my new job is the fact that they play Christmas music continually. It is impossible to escape. And it isn't even really good Christmas music, there are about 20 different songs that they play over and over and occasionally throw in a little better caliber tune. After eight hours yesterday the highlights were: Two Elvis songs, one James Taylor, and That George Michaels Christmas song. Here is a cover of it for you to enjoy. Jimmy Eat World - Last Christmas . I have been informed that after Christmas season we switch to country music which I would welcome at this point.

Baomi gift ideas

Baomi, i found a couple of gifts for the anima nerd who has everything. i am assuming that another sword is out of the question. The gloves make the outfit.
Vosse, what is our opinion on Dylan's new radio show?

Pee Wee

Yesterday LB saw santa, actually we saw santa riding a bike along sheridan in Tulsa on Monday but yesterday Santa came to LB's class. When asked what santa had said,expecting a ho ho ho he told me that santa said "hey you puppy put your shirt on".
A Handicap parking sign does not signify that this spot is for handicapped people. It is actually in fact a warning, that the spot belongs to Chuck Norris and that you will be handicapped if you park there.
I strongly believe that Chuck Norris has an answer for every question and a proper reaction to any stimuli.
BTW laser pointers are very popular with the thieves at the ACE in sapulpa. And okryan and i will soon be sporting sweet vintage ACE work wear. You will all be envious and want to get second jobs. Do it mon.

A new direction

G! says i never post about anything but chuck anymore so here is my attempt at change.

They say when a bear is chasing a group of people, you don't have to outrun the bear, but only have to be faster than the slowest person. If Mr. T is chasing you, you're dead no matter what.

Mr T went back in time and became his own father, so that he would inherit his own sence of pity.

Think about that last one... that shits deep.

Mr. T once appeared on the show, Fear Factor, not as a contestant, but as a stunt. There were no winners and 6 deaths on the show that day. Mr. T has not been invited back.

Every link of gold around Mr. T's neck represents 7 fools that he pitied, and then ate.

Revenge

Chuck Norris found out about Conan O'Brien's lever that shows clips from "Walker: Texas Ranger" and is working on a way to make it show clips of Norris having sex with Conan's wife.

Chuck and Wolverine?

Wolverine from the X-men is based entirely on Chuck Norris and was originally called "Chuck Norris" instead. When Chuck Norris threatened to sue for the use of his likeness, they cut off his beard, gave him a queer hair cut, and called him Wolverine. This allowed them to keep the parts that are true, like the ability to heal, the claws, and the adamantium skeleton.

The Lowdown

Okryan I'm sure you know what I'm about to suggest. I truly believe that these costumes would be almost as funny as the cone. I'm thinking the above costume for the big dog and the lower picture for analsack. Then we can walk around the flea market or the mall with them and everyone can look and laugh and enjoy.

I guess by now everyone(okryan) has seen our draw for the World Cup. Don't despair it's only the second hardest group we could have drawn. Most people in the know are saying that with six months to prepare Bruce will come up with a plan to beat The Czech Republic(the number two team in the world). Italy is next, we've lost to them everytime we've played them in world cup matches(5times). Ghana is another really decent team. The worst news is that if we do win our group we would probably play Brazil(and you know what that means). But we are due for some upsets so I'll be staying up late this summer watching the matches(in hi def with okryan).

Lesson for the day

Check this out

Chuck Norris doesn't shave, he kicks himself in the face. Only Chuck Norris can cut Chuck Norris.

It's been a long day, good night.

butt

Get down get down

Hey Baomi I found this cool research study for you. Read the recruitment section and watch out for amateur night. I'll be there to support you if you want, with both hands on my eyes!

Another day at the hardware store. Mainly watching videos right now but I did get a pair of gloves and a back belt. Things are looking up.

Low Boobs and Carla Bruni

Can anyone tell me why Tara Reid's boobs are down there? That's not right is it? Has she had kids? Did she move here from a planet with less gravity? Those would be marvelous if they were four inches higher.

Look G! i found another picture for you to use the next time you post on Carla. How old was she when she was with Mick? 12?

Hey Mon

Well I'm officially Jamaican. I started another job today at ACE. You all remember the old In Living Color skit. "What, yous only got da fo jobs?" No word on when I'll start working in the paint section but I did cut a key tonight.
Gifts have been arriving at the house daily, god bless amazon.

We are not true fans

Here we go with another Morrissey post but as you can see I could be worse. I really don't think I would regret getting any of these pieces. The portrait may be a bit much but I don't know... it is Morrissey. Maybe we should head down to the friendly neighborhood tattooist.

The only music related piece I've ever seriously considered was a "ritual" tattoo on the back of my neck. I still think that would be cool but nowadays I'm probably not hardcore enough to pull off that look.

Shake your fist has several cool mp3's from the French band SAW.

Ohh Yeah

They have arrived.

Devendra is a folkie

I'll be honest and say that I either really like Devendra's stuff or can't listen to it. I will admit that sometimes it takes me repeated listenings to really get into something and I just haven't with a lot of Devendra;a music. But here is one track that I know I like. Devendra Banhart : Heard somebody say enjoy it.

Something for everyone

It has been brought to my attention that all I blog about is Chuck Norris, Iron & Wine and Morrissey. What's wrong with that? Well in an effort to branch out here is something that everyone who lived through the eighties and nineties and was aware of music can appreciate. Here is an excellent mash up that I picked up somewhere featuring NWA and Nirvana.

NWA Vs. Nirvana: Smells Like Compton

NWA was a big part of my teenage years. like most suburban white boys I was drawn to this alien world of gangstas and hos. They were the perfect soundtrack to teenage rebellion. The thumping beats and incessant profanity were perfectly designed to piss of parents. To this day I can still rap along to most of NWA's Straight outta Compton. Word.

Nirvana, what can I say. Everyone loved Nirvana. Even when they were big you could still like them and be cool. It may be blasphemy but I was always more of a Pearl Jam guy. I'm not sure what that says about me but I did own Nevermind and Bleach.

Finally, a place in hell for me and my friends

Alright, here it is There is a place in hell for me and my friends by the man we all love, Moz. He smiles down upon you from a place of superiority.

Stand back ladies

Ladies don't stare directly at the chuck, he may cause pregnancy. One bit of Chuck Norris wisdom was repeated again and again at the Christmas parade last night.
Little Girl: "Look at the horses mommy."
Me and okryan:"Chuck isn't hung like a horse, horses are hung like chuck."
Little Girl: "Mommy i'm scared"
Overweight mullet wearing mother: "Don't be honey, they're right."

Chuck Norris fact of the day: Chuck Norris once ate two 72 oz. steaks in one hour. He spent the first 45 minutes having sex with his waitress.

Lookin for Iron & Wine

So Much Silence has the downloads from the NPR Iron & Wine /Calexico show. I can't stress what a great set everyone put up. I can't imagine how G! fell asleep during the show(she missed half of the joint set).

PG Grant and I went to lunch at Coney I-lander today and put down some coneys. PG told an absolutely hilarious story about his roommate and Chuck Norris. I demand that he recount it in the comments or start a blog of his own.

I received my stuff from the Elvis Insiders club today, the pin rocks and I have an official card to put in my wallet. Wearing sweet Elvis cufflinks to a wedding actually paid off.

Chuck Norris fact: Chuck sold his soul to the Devil for his rugged good looks and unparalleled martial arts ability. Shortly after the transaction was finalized, Chuck roundhouse kicked the Devil in the face and took his soul back. The Devil, who appreciated irony, couldn't stay mad and admitted he should have seen it coming. They now play poker every second Wednesday of the month.

There is a place in hell for me and my friends

I watched Morrissey Live in Dallas tonight. I found it up in the attic with a bunch of other movies. Moz is the man, he was lookin way cool in his work boots, jeans and fuckin gold lame shirt(which eventually got ripped to shreds by overzealous fans). He put on a great show. I know G! and i have spent hours upon hours with Morrissey and The Smiths. I hope sumobeats is still rocking The More you ignore me the closer i get poster. We should all take a moment to worship his greatness. Direct you praise to this download Morrissey - There is a place in hell for me and my friends (link is down)

Chuck Norris has a posse

PG sent me this email with a list of Chuck Norris facts that had me laughing so hard that a woke G! and then pissed myself...twice. Needless to say I am now a convert to the ways of the chuck. I'm sure everyone's already been to his official site he actually talks to you!! If you go to the "Christian" section of the site you can see the letter that Jesus wrote to Chuck. I did notice that the chat room was closed because of "abuse". I'll be Chuck really wailed on some knuckelhead. If I were rich I would get each and every one of you one of these. I must say that as kids sumobeats and I probably watched Lone Wolf McQuade a hundred times. I mean come on he drives his bronco out of the ground!!! I hope all of you decide to support chuck in what ever ass he decides to kick next. The posse has formed, who will join? I think I need a totalgym.
By the way when Chuck says "I'll just make this out to John" your name becomes John

Chuck Norris fact of the day: Rather than being birthed like a normal child, Chuck Norris decided instead to punch his way out of his mother's womb. Shortly thereafter he grew a beard.

Iron & Wine and Calexico live on NPR

Is everyone listening to this awesome show? Sam just played The Trapeze Swinger!! I am kicking myself for missing this show when it came to town... but the wedding was fun.

Ohhhh a Velvet Underground cover, tooooooo sweet!

Sweet Baby Jesus, Sam just did a Willie Nelson cover!!

Chuck Norris fact of the day: Chuck Norris' tears cure cancer. Too bad he's never cried.